Adam Jones likely to miss Week 6 due to hamstring injury

The veteran cornerback, who suffered a hamstring injury in Week 5, did not practice Thursday for the second consecutive day, putting his game status in serious doubt. Head coach Vance Joseph admitted Jones is “coming along slowly.”

“It’s his second stint with the hamstring,” Joseph said. “Obviously, hamstrings take a while. If you push this guy back, we could lose him for the rest of the season. We’re going to be smart with him and we’ll see how the week goes. So far, we’re going slow with him—just long-term concerns.”

Hammy issues are notoriously tough to recover from because, as Joseph intimated, they’re so easily aggravated. Usually a safer-than-sorry approach is required, meaning a player won’t get on the field until he’s absolutely 100 percent.

It’s unfortunate timing for the Broncos with the Rams’ high-flying offense rolling through. The Sean McVay-led operation ranks first in total yards, second in passing, third in scoring and seventh in rushing, posing a catastrophic threat to a demoralized Denver defense.

With Jones likely out, Tramaine Brock will work as the nickel corner behind Chris Harris Jr. and Bradley Roby. Rookie Isaac Yiadom will also be called upon, equipped with the confidence of his coaches.

“He’s good,” said defensive coordinator Joe Woods. “It’s always one play a game that he’s out there, but the thing with him: he’s confident. There’s no fear in him. Again, as a young guy, you’re out there, it’s your first year of experience playing in the NFL against that type of talent week in and week out—he’s just going to learn under fire. He’ll keep getting better each week, but I like him just because of his mindset and how he plays.”

In related news, right tackle Jared Veldheer again missed practice. Joseph previously admitted that Veldheer, sidelined by a bone bruise, is “probably a week away from actually playing again for us.” Billy Turner will draw his second start at RT, with Elijah Wilkinson serving as his backup.

Nose tackle Domata Peko also did not practice, though this was a veteran rest day for the soon-to-be 34-year-old.

Free safety Darian Stewart (foot) returned to practice, getting in a limited session after being listed as a DNP on Wednesday. Inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (knee) was also limited. Both defenders will play against Los Angeles.

Left tackle Garett Bolles, who picked up an ankle injury last Sunday, was a full participant and will start. Joseph said he’s comfortable with Bolles’ health.

“I am. He practiced pretty full yesterday. He was back today. He’s a fast healer,” he said. “We’ll see how the week goes, but right now he is looking like he’s going to play.”

On the Rams’ side, top wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Cooper Kupp — both of whom sustained concussions in Week 5 — were limited for the second consecutive practice. McVay has said he expects Jared Goff’s favorite targets to go in Denver.

The Broncos and Rams will release their final injury reports on Friday.